Basset Cove and Tehidy Woods Walk

• Location: Cornwall (north coast)
• Terrain: Coast path; woodland trails; steep sections
• Access: South West Coast Path
• Height gain: 487 metres
• Map: OS Explorer 104 Redruth and St Agnes
• Starting point: North Cliffs Car Park (GR SW 625 431)

Basset Cove and Tehidy Woods Walk Summary

The circular walk on the South West Coast Path near Portreath is one of the best walks on the north Cornwall coast. It includes the cliff tops of Reskajeage Down and Carvannel Down, a short scramble down to see Samphire Island, collapsed sea caves and smuggler’s coves.  There are plenty of pitstops and options for a swim in Portreath. Inland the route passes through the lovely woodland and streams of Illogen Wood and then Tehidy Country Park which, depending on the time of year, are great places to sea bluebells and autumnal colours.

Look out for:

• • Spectacular coastal scenery of North Cliffs
  • Descending into Port-cadjack Cove
  • Seals in the collapsed sea cave of Ralph’s Cupboard
  • Bubbling streams though the woods
  • Heritage mining trails

Getting there:

• Getting to the North Cliffs Car Park – towards Hayle on the B3301, 5km south west of Portreath
• Getting to the Basset’s Cove Car Park – towards Hayle on the B3301, 3.2 km south west of Portreath

Route description:

1. From the car park turn right (east) along the South West Coast Path towards Portreath and walk along the clifftops at Reskajeage Downs, you’ll very quickly spot Crane Island at the west end of Basset’s Cove near the National Trust carpark and Mirrose Well. The path down the cliff to the foot of the Crane Island is not recommended. 
2. Continue along the South West Coast Path to descend to the stream (GR SW 642 447) at Carvannel Downs. Before crossing the stream take the faint path to the left that heads down the cliffs to Porth Cadjack Cove. The last stretch is over rock fall, with a rope to steady yourself if needed. Samphire Island, the outermost lump of rock to the north west of the beach, can be reached on very low spring tides only. The island closer to the mainland is Asparagus Island. Return to the coast path.
3. Continue steeply uphill from the stream on the zig-zags of the path, then around the narrow and steep inlet of Ralph’s Cupboard, which is a collapsed sea cave. Continue along the coast path to the headland at the west end of Portreath Beach. 
4. Continue downhill on the lane, Battery Hill, to reach  the B3301 near Portreath Beach. Cross the road to the track opposite, take the small track to the left that runs alongside the stream (keeping the Basset Arms to the right). Continue along the road through the houses of Tregea Terrace until you reach another road. Bear right to pass under the bridge of Glenfeadon Terrace. Continue to Primrose Terrace.
5. Walk along Primrose Terrace, ignore the left fork in the road, to reach the entrance to Illogen Woods, marked with an old granite post. Take the path that heads through woods alongside the stream, crossing it firstly over a bridge then, further on via a concrete crossing. Continue along the path up to an old granite stile and a footpath sign. Here turn right, up some steps alongside a field then, before reaching the buildings and yard of Trengrove, bear right on to a good track.
6. Follow this track towards the houses until it reaches the lane. Turn left, and then immediately go through the barrier on the left to join the path between the golf course (keep to your right) and fields (keep to your left). Follow this to the road.
7. Cross the road to enter the Tehidy East Drive carpark, continue on the path through the carpark and woods to a T junction, turn right following the signpost to North Cliffs Plantation. Walk alongside the golf course, and keep following the engine house markers of the Mineral Tramways Tehidy Trail through the woods, to exit onto the lane, Combe.

Turn right, follow it passed Coombe Park, to reach the footpath on the right. Head uphill, passing through gates and stiles until you reach the B3301. Cross the road to return to the National Trust North Cliffs car park.